Sorry, dear readers (are you still there?!), I have been neglecting my "Dear Diary" duties. (haha! DUTY)
Before I get started, a special message for Amy and Heather: TRIM
Now, then. Over two months have passed, and boy have they been busy ones. If they weren't, I'd just be a lazy girl who hasn't posted, so yes..very very busy. In this time, we have:
(1) Received our official Permanent Residency Visas for New Zealand
(2) Hosted weekend guests on two separate weekends (and lived to tell about it, after shock therapy)
(3) Reconnected with an old friend I thought was lost to me
(4) Attended a wedding in West Virgina
(5) Got a quote from the movers to move all our crap overseas
(6) Finalized wedding plans - just 24 days now!
(7) Bought our one-way airline tickets to Wellington
And sure, work, working out...the regular stuff too. I've also continued to be pissed off about:
(1) Smokers
(2) SUVs
(3) The government
(4) People who hate or discriminate against homosexuals
Instead of updating you on all this stuff right now, I'm going to tell you about the very weird dream I had last night. So vivid and awesome, but strange:
It was around this time, if not closer to the wedding. I say that because there were a ton of people in the house, which would only happen if it was the day before the wedding. The dream started with me commuting home, as I do every evening, down Route 32. Traffic was slowing, so I looked around to see why. Low and behold, there were things all over the sky. As they came closer, I saw that they were angels carrying a child or another person, flying by slowly at tree level and higher. It really looked like people with costume angel wings, not that I've seen a real angel.
The site was a bit unnerving, and I had no idea what was going on, or if it was just happening here, or all over the country. I was almost home, so I waited to talk to Darren until I got there. As I mentioned, there were a bunch of people in the house (my brother/his wife, various other family members and friends), all talking about the angels. The news was portraying this as a sign the world was coming to an end, especially with all the current wars in the Middle East. Darren had his own theories, including a marketing stunt for a play opening in the area. He'd "seen it before". I told him I didn't see any planes or helicopters above the "angels" that could have explained how they were flying. We discussed calling friends all over the country to see if it was happening everywhere or just here (no result to that one).
In our true nature, Darren and I discussed calling the airlines and booking a flight to NZ that very night, in case the world was indeed ending. He pointed out we already had our visas and could leave at any time. What about the house, and the wedding? Well, if the world was ending, it really wouldn't matter, would it? And if it's not? Then we would take a week vacation and come back. It was a big gamble, and one that was not resolved by the time I woke up.
Very vivid (and entertaining) dream...I woke up thinking the decision of whether to leave now still had to be made.
*end dream*
More udpates to come!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Rant - and you know why
Wow, time has flown! It's been over two months since my last post. So much for keeping this as a sort of "diary".
Anyway, I'm writing today because of the president trying to increase his poll numbers by pandering to his conservative base. Nevermind all the other issues in the country right now - education, illegal wiretapping, the war in Iraq, the ever-increasing deficit - no, gay people getting married is what is ruining this country.
Seriously?
Because marriage historically has always done so well? The divorce rate must have been very low before we let "the gays" marry, right? Oh, yeah..hmm...nope. Divorce has been around 50% for a while. So..the divorce rate will increase if we let gay people marry? Or is it that straight people will decide marriage doesn't mean anything anymore, and will abandon marriages to "live in sin"? Because there is no place in this country where people are living together and having children out of wedlock. Sheesh - would really hate to see THAT happen.
Wait, wait..it is happening already?
Why is it that the Republican platform is for smaller government, yet Bush's administration has done nothing but further invade our privacy each year? Does their "base" notice? And why introduce an amendment to the Constitution - a document used to GRANT freedoms, each amendment furthering our freedom - that plans to discriminate and restrict freedom? The only other amendment that restricted freedom was the one barring alcohol consumption. That went really well, didn't it?
No one has yet to explain to me a logical reason why two women or two men cannot be married. An actual LEGAL rational argument. This issue is so clearly a smokescreen. I can only hope the general dissatisfaction with the current administration puts this shit to a halt.
I was watching the Daily Show last night, and John Stewart had some asshole on who was defending this amendment. He clearly has no understanding of reality. John, always my hero, said one of the best lines I have heard on this subject ever:
Guest: " It's a debate about whether you think marriage is between a man and a woman."
John S: " I disagree. It's a debate about whether you think gay people are part of the human condition or just a random fetish."
Awesome.
As I write this, I'm searching CNN for news of the Senate vote. I figured it would be front and center, since they have put the impending vote on the front page since Sunday. I couldn't find anything! So, I went instead to my trusted source - the New Zealand Herald. Sure enough, under International News, they have a headline "US Senate blocks same-sex marriage bill". Why do I have to read a NZ newpaper to get news on my own damn country? *sigh*
Back to the vote. The bill was defeated by 49 to 48 votes. Pretty close, unless you consider 60 was needed to pass the bill. The House still wants a crack at it next month, but it won't mean anything.
Off to bed for me. Be warned, though...this isn't the last time I will rant about this issue.
And yes, I will update on other matters soon.
Anyway, I'm writing today because of the president trying to increase his poll numbers by pandering to his conservative base. Nevermind all the other issues in the country right now - education, illegal wiretapping, the war in Iraq, the ever-increasing deficit - no, gay people getting married is what is ruining this country.
Seriously?
Because marriage historically has always done so well? The divorce rate must have been very low before we let "the gays" marry, right? Oh, yeah..hmm...nope. Divorce has been around 50% for a while. So..the divorce rate will increase if we let gay people marry? Or is it that straight people will decide marriage doesn't mean anything anymore, and will abandon marriages to "live in sin"? Because there is no place in this country where people are living together and having children out of wedlock. Sheesh - would really hate to see THAT happen.
Wait, wait..it is happening already?
Why is it that the Republican platform is for smaller government, yet Bush's administration has done nothing but further invade our privacy each year? Does their "base" notice? And why introduce an amendment to the Constitution - a document used to GRANT freedoms, each amendment furthering our freedom - that plans to discriminate and restrict freedom? The only other amendment that restricted freedom was the one barring alcohol consumption. That went really well, didn't it?
No one has yet to explain to me a logical reason why two women or two men cannot be married. An actual LEGAL rational argument. This issue is so clearly a smokescreen. I can only hope the general dissatisfaction with the current administration puts this shit to a halt.
I was watching the Daily Show last night, and John Stewart had some asshole on who was defending this amendment. He clearly has no understanding of reality. John, always my hero, said one of the best lines I have heard on this subject ever:
Guest: " It's a debate about whether you think marriage is between a man and a woman."
John S: " I disagree. It's a debate about whether you think gay people are part of the human condition or just a random fetish."
Awesome.
As I write this, I'm searching CNN for news of the Senate vote. I figured it would be front and center, since they have put the impending vote on the front page since Sunday. I couldn't find anything! So, I went instead to my trusted source - the New Zealand Herald. Sure enough, under International News, they have a headline "US Senate blocks same-sex marriage bill". Why do I have to read a NZ newpaper to get news on my own damn country? *sigh*
Back to the vote. The bill was defeated by 49 to 48 votes. Pretty close, unless you consider 60 was needed to pass the bill. The House still wants a crack at it next month, but it won't mean anything.
Off to bed for me. Be warned, though...this isn't the last time I will rant about this issue.
And yes, I will update on other matters soon.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Life is good
I'm feeling great today for so many reasons! Spring is here, and the trees are budding like mad. There are tons of white buds, and pink, and flowers are popping out everywhere! This weekend Daylight Savings Time begins. In general, I think DST is outdated, but I love having the extra hours of daylight. No more driving home in the dark!
In other good news, one of the firms I contacted in Wellington wants to schedule a phone interview soon! Squeee!! Hopefully I'll have an update next week...
And finally, Darren and I started the "Body for Life" www.bodyforlife.com program this week. Only three days in, I have an incredible amount of energy, and we are eating lots of yummy foods. The best part is working out together and eating together - it's fun to support each other. And being a type-A person, I really like the structure of the program! The program is 12 weeks, so I'll be updating our progress here and there.
Happy Spring!
In other good news, one of the firms I contacted in Wellington wants to schedule a phone interview soon! Squeee!! Hopefully I'll have an update next week...
And finally, Darren and I started the "Body for Life" www.bodyforlife.com program this week. Only three days in, I have an incredible amount of energy, and we are eating lots of yummy foods. The best part is working out together and eating together - it's fun to support each other. And being a type-A person, I really like the structure of the program! The program is 12 weeks, so I'll be updating our progress here and there.
Happy Spring!
Friday, March 03, 2006
Miscellany
Just some random thoughts:
1) Saw an article in Newsweek about DePaul University offering a new "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer Studies" minor. Which could be awesome or scary. DePaul is the nation's largest Roman Catholic university. So, depending on the instructors, the classes for the minor could bring enlightenment to several people or reinforce the Vatican's official teaching ("homosexuality is objectively disordered" - whatever the hell that means).
2) Also in Newsweek, I have noticed the distinct absence of cigarette ads. Towards the end of the 2005, I was determined to write a letter to Newsweek regarding the 5+ cigarette ads in every issue. How could they run article after article about how bad smoking is, as well as dedicate a special issue to health issues each year and fund the magazine with tobacco revenue? I never wrote the letter, because I'm inherently lazy. I am happy to see the ads are gone though. Maybe I'll write a letter thanking them....
3) This tool: clicky tailgated me the other day in a Hum-V. I shouldn't have been surprised, really, as I was really close to passing the employee entrance to a certain US secret agency, and their employees are notorious for tailgating. There is always a 'cop' car/truck across from the entrance, but I have a feeling they aren't there for traffic stuff. I am surprised that the employee can have a job on the side and post the info all over his vehicle, though. I almost sent an email saying "tailgating a bride isn't really the best way run a DJ business". But, eh, don't want this agency getting a hold of my IP address so easily.
4) No matter how hungry I am for pizza, I will not go to Dominos.
5) Just finished reading "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon. Loved it. The book is written from the point of view of an autistic teenager, and is a kind of mystery/adventure with some drama as well. Very easy read and quite moving.
Happy Friday!
1) Saw an article in Newsweek about DePaul University offering a new "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer Studies" minor. Which could be awesome or scary. DePaul is the nation's largest Roman Catholic university. So, depending on the instructors, the classes for the minor could bring enlightenment to several people or reinforce the Vatican's official teaching ("homosexuality is objectively disordered" - whatever the hell that means).
2) Also in Newsweek, I have noticed the distinct absence of cigarette ads. Towards the end of the 2005, I was determined to write a letter to Newsweek regarding the 5+ cigarette ads in every issue. How could they run article after article about how bad smoking is, as well as dedicate a special issue to health issues each year and fund the magazine with tobacco revenue? I never wrote the letter, because I'm inherently lazy. I am happy to see the ads are gone though. Maybe I'll write a letter thanking them....
3) This tool: clicky tailgated me the other day in a Hum-V. I shouldn't have been surprised, really, as I was really close to passing the employee entrance to a certain US secret agency, and their employees are notorious for tailgating. There is always a 'cop' car/truck across from the entrance, but I have a feeling they aren't there for traffic stuff. I am surprised that the employee can have a job on the side and post the info all over his vehicle, though. I almost sent an email saying "tailgating a bride isn't really the best way run a DJ business". But, eh, don't want this agency getting a hold of my IP address so easily.
4) No matter how hungry I am for pizza, I will not go to Dominos.
5) Just finished reading "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon. Loved it. The book is written from the point of view of an autistic teenager, and is a kind of mystery/adventure with some drama as well. Very easy read and quite moving.
Happy Friday!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Rejection
Now that I'm engaged, I thought my days of rejection were over. I mean, seriously, in what situation (outside of a job search) would I be personally rejected? Well, my own father stepped up to the challenge a couple of nights ago and decided that having a relationship with me wasn't worth his effort.
This is probably the most personal blog I have written. However, as you'll see from his email, yes email, it's all very impersonal. Granted, I was quite hurt when I read his 'letter' and cried on D's shoulder a bit, but now I see the irony in receiving a "Dear John" letter from a man named John (nickname "Skip").
I tried to reach out to my father with a two page letter at Christmas-time. We had a falling out several years ago (I asked too many questions about his allowing my abusive step-father to legally adopt me) and had just stopped talking. My Aunt - his sister - told me that he had been asking about me, and encouraged me to write to him. I thought it would be nice to catch up, and maybe he could even come to my wedding. I'm not into the whole 'giving away' business, but having him there would have been nice.
And now, the email:
Dear Dawn,
I received your card and note several weeks ago. It is really good to hear about your upcoming wedding and plans for the future. I would like to wish you a lifetime of success and happiness.
As you know I sold my house and moved to Southbury. (http://www.heritagevillagect.org) I have a “Country House” and am quite satisfied with it.
I have been agonizing over this response to your letter for some time now. After much soul searching, I have decided that we have nothing left in common that could serve as a basis for a relationship. It is difficult enough to bridge such a generation gap without unspoken resentments and mistrust clouding the issue. My misreading of the situation created far too much stress and agitation on my part. I was never known as “Thick Skinned “and must admit I was very hurt by your anger. I expected it when I allowed your mother to take you. I don’t know why I thought things were OK.
I apologize for everything that I did that caused you unhappiness over the years. I think my presence would only exacerbate the feelings of betrayal and just cause more problems for both of us. Better to leave things as they are.
Love,
Skip
*Love* indeed.
This is probably the most personal blog I have written. However, as you'll see from his email, yes email, it's all very impersonal. Granted, I was quite hurt when I read his 'letter' and cried on D's shoulder a bit, but now I see the irony in receiving a "Dear John" letter from a man named John (nickname "Skip").
I tried to reach out to my father with a two page letter at Christmas-time. We had a falling out several years ago (I asked too many questions about his allowing my abusive step-father to legally adopt me) and had just stopped talking. My Aunt - his sister - told me that he had been asking about me, and encouraged me to write to him. I thought it would be nice to catch up, and maybe he could even come to my wedding. I'm not into the whole 'giving away' business, but having him there would have been nice.
And now, the email:
Dear Dawn,
I received your card and note several weeks ago. It is really good to hear about your upcoming wedding and plans for the future. I would like to wish you a lifetime of success and happiness.
As you know I sold my house and moved to Southbury. (http://www.heritagevillagect.org) I have a “Country House” and am quite satisfied with it.
I have been agonizing over this response to your letter for some time now. After much soul searching, I have decided that we have nothing left in common that could serve as a basis for a relationship. It is difficult enough to bridge such a generation gap without unspoken resentments and mistrust clouding the issue. My misreading of the situation created far too much stress and agitation on my part. I was never known as “Thick Skinned “and must admit I was very hurt by your anger. I expected it when I allowed your mother to take you. I don’t know why I thought things were OK.
I apologize for everything that I did that caused you unhappiness over the years. I think my presence would only exacerbate the feelings of betrayal and just cause more problems for both of us. Better to leave things as they are.
Love,
Skip
*Love* indeed.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Rant #3 OOPS (otherwise known as UPS)
I think this is only Rant #3, which, if you know me personally, is quite remarkable. In any case, today's "rant" is brought to you by the incredibly horrible package delivery company UPS. I've actually gone so far as to not order products from companies who ship via UPS becuase UPS sucks SO MUCH ASS.
In this case, Amazon shocked me. They had previously mailed the book I ordered via the US Post Office. However, they had shipped the wrong book (first time ever), and shipped out a replacement very quickly. Well, they sent it quickly; they just happened to send it UPS.
UPS always delivers packages during the day when no one is at home. And they always - always - require a signature upon delivery. No, I can't just sign the slip and put it on my door. Darren and I thought we learned how to beat the system by going on-line and redirecting our packages to his office. This hasn't worked for the last two shipments,however:
1) We ordered an item from a company affiliated with Amazon. Unbeknownst to us, the company shipped our item UPS. When I came home and saw the slip, I immediately called the 800 number and requested the package to be held at the (barely) nearby processing center because I was off work the next day. I knew it was a long-shot because it was after 7 pm. I only know this magical cut-off time from experience - no where in the telephone system does it mention that any delivery changes after 7 pm will be completely ignored. Instead, the system tells you all is well!
The next day, I went out of my way to the processing center. Of course my package wasn't there! The driver was trying to deliver it to my house at that very moment. Why? Well, I called after 7 pm; my request had been canceled. OF COURSE.
I went home and found the dreaded "2nd delivery attempt" slip and called the 800 number again. I had the package redirected to Darren's office. I win! No, wait...no I don't. UPS finally got the message to hold my package at the processing center, so they canceled the redirection request. Mmmmhmmm...ok. One more try - and it was finally delivered. What a fucking hassle!!
2) So, yesterday, after learning that we had received the dreaded "delivery attempt" slip of doom, I went on-line to the UPS site way before 7pm. In fact, it was around 4 pm. I requested the package to be delivered to Darren's office instead, and was quite proud of myself. I win!!
No, no I don't. Why? Um...well...the info is in the computer. So? The delivery center "just didn't get the information".
Right.
I'm sure they will get it right tomorrow.
In this case, Amazon shocked me. They had previously mailed the book I ordered via the US Post Office. However, they had shipped the wrong book (first time ever), and shipped out a replacement very quickly. Well, they sent it quickly; they just happened to send it UPS.
UPS always delivers packages during the day when no one is at home. And they always - always - require a signature upon delivery. No, I can't just sign the slip and put it on my door. Darren and I thought we learned how to beat the system by going on-line and redirecting our packages to his office. This hasn't worked for the last two shipments,however:
1) We ordered an item from a company affiliated with Amazon. Unbeknownst to us, the company shipped our item UPS. When I came home and saw the slip, I immediately called the 800 number and requested the package to be held at the (barely) nearby processing center because I was off work the next day. I knew it was a long-shot because it was after 7 pm. I only know this magical cut-off time from experience - no where in the telephone system does it mention that any delivery changes after 7 pm will be completely ignored. Instead, the system tells you all is well!
The next day, I went out of my way to the processing center. Of course my package wasn't there! The driver was trying to deliver it to my house at that very moment. Why? Well, I called after 7 pm; my request had been canceled. OF COURSE.
I went home and found the dreaded "2nd delivery attempt" slip and called the 800 number again. I had the package redirected to Darren's office. I win! No, wait...no I don't. UPS finally got the message to hold my package at the processing center, so they canceled the redirection request. Mmmmhmmm...ok. One more try - and it was finally delivered. What a fucking hassle!!
2) So, yesterday, after learning that we had received the dreaded "delivery attempt" slip of doom, I went on-line to the UPS site way before 7pm. In fact, it was around 4 pm. I requested the package to be delivered to Darren's office instead, and was quite proud of myself. I win!!
No, no I don't. Why? Um...well...the info is in the computer. So? The delivery center "just didn't get the information".
Right.
I'm sure they will get it right tomorrow.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
"Smoke and Mirrors; State of the BS"
At least that's what the morning show I listen to called it. Personally, I made it through a total of 5 minutes. I heard "freedom" six times in 3 minutes, and was done.
For a more entertaining take on the State of the Union, check out Heather's bio.
For a more entertaining take on the State of the Union, check out Heather's bio.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Happy Birthday Darrel!
Although I'm fairly certain Darrel doesn't read this blog, I want to wish him a Happy Birthday. Darrel is my good friend in New Zealand whom I met when he lived in this area for a few years. We met randomly, but he made a great impact on my life. Not only was he one of the best guy friends I've ever had, but clearly he has influenced where I (and Darren) want to live.
Before I visited Wellington, I had no idea why Darrel wanted to leave here and go back home to a place so far away (so far from everything). He had seen me through some tough times (read: dating horrors), and I selfishly wanted him to stay. We IM'd quite a bit, and I actually saved one of the 'conversations' we had right before he left. I saved it as inspiration; Darrel was so sure that I would meet a great guy. Better than that, he was certain that I deserved someone who would be good to me - something I didn't always believe. My favorite line from that conversation is: "basically, everyone sucks except you and you deserve an equally awesome man". It was one of the nicest things a friend had ever said to me (don't know why it means more coming from a guy friend, but it did).
While Darrel moved shortly after that, I kept those words in my head. It took me a while, but I found my 'equally awesome man'. So, thanks, Darrel, for the confidence and support. And now that I've seen New Zealand - and Wellington - I get why you wanted to go back. And Happy Birthday, sweetie. You deserve all things that are good.
d
Three Things
Ok, so I wasn't "tagged", but Heather suggested in her blog that we all should list 'three things you may not know about me'. Those who know me well probably know this stuff, but it's still fun!
1) I didn't learn how to ride a 2 wheel bicycle until I was 12. Yes, that's right - 12. I had training wheels up until then! Several people tried unsuccessfully to teach me, including my step-father's ex-wife. Granted, she tried to teach me on a cement sidewalk (it didn't go well). I finally learned to ride my bicycle on the slight grassy hill in our back yard at the instruction of my brother Robert.
2) I only eat bread if it's toasted. I never got into the white bread sandwich thing as a child, as my poor brother Kevin discovered. He is 10 years older, so my parents often tasked him with being my babysitter. Every sandwich had to be on toasted bread or I wouldn't touch it. I had no idea how much this scarred him until I was at his house a few months ago - he asked if I wanted a sandwich, and of course I said "yes! On toast, please." - he rolled his eyes and yelled "TOAST! Always with the damn toast!". Ironically, I bought him a toaster (at his request) for Christmas a few years ago.
3) When I was very young (say, around 3 or 4), I refused to wear pants because "princesses don't wear pants". Instead, I insisted on wearing dresses - long dresses - every day. Even to go out in the yard and play. Needless to say, I tripped a lot, but still. I was a princess. My mother would on occasion hold me down and forcibly put pants on me under my dress just in case I fell (again).
1) I didn't learn how to ride a 2 wheel bicycle until I was 12. Yes, that's right - 12. I had training wheels up until then! Several people tried unsuccessfully to teach me, including my step-father's ex-wife. Granted, she tried to teach me on a cement sidewalk (it didn't go well). I finally learned to ride my bicycle on the slight grassy hill in our back yard at the instruction of my brother Robert.
2) I only eat bread if it's toasted. I never got into the white bread sandwich thing as a child, as my poor brother Kevin discovered. He is 10 years older, so my parents often tasked him with being my babysitter. Every sandwich had to be on toasted bread or I wouldn't touch it. I had no idea how much this scarred him until I was at his house a few months ago - he asked if I wanted a sandwich, and of course I said "yes! On toast, please." - he rolled his eyes and yelled "TOAST! Always with the damn toast!". Ironically, I bought him a toaster (at his request) for Christmas a few years ago.
3) When I was very young (say, around 3 or 4), I refused to wear pants because "princesses don't wear pants". Instead, I insisted on wearing dresses - long dresses - every day. Even to go out in the yard and play. Needless to say, I tripped a lot, but still. I was a princess. My mother would on occasion hold me down and forcibly put pants on me under my dress just in case I fell (again).
Monday, January 16, 2006
"Decision Successful"
After a nice long weekend, I was dreading going back to work, so I checked my email. Nothing from NZ Immigration. Just in case...I checked the NZ Immigration website itself. After logging in, I quickly looked at our EOI status - and there were the words I'd been waiting for: "Decision Successful". After 3 weeks of seeing "Selected" day after day, I couldn't believe it! Just to make sure, we clicked on those sweet words, and here was the explanation:
Congratulations.
We are very pleased to confirm that your Expression of Interest has been successful.
You will shortly receive a letter inviting you to lodge an Application for Residence. The letter will contain information to help you complete your Application for Residence.
Now comes all the work! We have to gather evidence of our 'partnership' (as we are not yet married), our prior jobs and then get complete physicals. I understand the letter we will receive has a huge checklist of things we need to do and documents we need to gather. GAH! And SQUEEEE! :)
And yes, Heather and Amy, you can write a letter in protest. To get it to the right people, just give it to Darren or me and we'll make sure it's included in our Application package. Promise. Mmhmmm.
Congratulations.
We are very pleased to confirm that your Expression of Interest has been successful.
You will shortly receive a letter inviting you to lodge an Application for Residence. The letter will contain information to help you complete your Application for Residence.
Now comes all the work! We have to gather evidence of our 'partnership' (as we are not yet married), our prior jobs and then get complete physicals. I understand the letter we will receive has a huge checklist of things we need to do and documents we need to gather. GAH! And SQUEEEE! :)
And yes, Heather and Amy, you can write a letter in protest. To get it to the right people, just give it to Darren or me and we'll make sure it's included in our Application package. Promise. Mmhmmm.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Hiccup
So, as you know from our post below, we were selected from the New Zealand EOI pool on December 21st. That day just happened to also be the day the NZ Immigration Authority changed all the rules! Instead of only needing 100 points to qualify for the pool, an applicant now requires 140 points, which can only be reached by having a job offer first. The good news is that if an applicant has 140 points or more, they automatically receive an Invitation to Apply for Residency (ITA).
What about those of us who were picked on the 21st? Well, theoretically, we fall under the "old" rules. But not really. The Immigration website was confusing and had contradictory statements. Although applicants selected from the pool on that day were under the old rules technically, if they had 100 or 105 points, their applications were automatically put back into the pool. To be nice, the Immigration Authority extended the length of time to be in the pool to 6 months (from 3). If an applicant needed to reapply, they could do without paying the fee again. The next selection date won't be until Feb 1st.
Ok. That sucks. But...wait a minute...we had 110 points. Nothing on the website addressed those Selected who had more than the 100 or 105 points mentioned above. So, I called! They were less than helpful and couldn't tell me how the new rules would affect me.
I received this email RIGHT after I hung up:
CHANGES TO THE SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY
Dear Dawn
You should have recently received a letter from the New Zealand Immigration Service advising that your Expression of Interest (EOI) has been selected from the Pool for consideration.
You may be aware that the New Zealand Government recently announced changes to the selection process under the Skilled Migrant Category. We are writing to inform you that these changes will not affect the preliminary checks of the information you provided in your EOI. Your EOI will continue to be checked on the basis of your selection from the Pool.
If you are invited to apply for residence and you subsequently submit an application for residence, your application, once received, will also be assessed on the basis on which you were selected from the Pool.
More information on the Expression of Interest process and living in New Zealand is available on our website at www.immigration.govt.nz. Alternatively please feel free to call the National Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 (within New Zealand) or contact your nearest branch of the Immigration Service.
All the best with your Expression of Interest.
Kind regards,
Pool Management Team
New Zealand Immigration Service
We are still in the running! It has now been two weeks...we hope our status will change to "Successful" in the next month. If so, it will mean that we have received an ITA.
What about those of us who were picked on the 21st? Well, theoretically, we fall under the "old" rules. But not really. The Immigration website was confusing and had contradictory statements. Although applicants selected from the pool on that day were under the old rules technically, if they had 100 or 105 points, their applications were automatically put back into the pool. To be nice, the Immigration Authority extended the length of time to be in the pool to 6 months (from 3). If an applicant needed to reapply, they could do without paying the fee again. The next selection date won't be until Feb 1st.
Ok. That sucks. But...wait a minute...we had 110 points. Nothing on the website addressed those Selected who had more than the 100 or 105 points mentioned above. So, I called! They were less than helpful and couldn't tell me how the new rules would affect me.
I received this email RIGHT after I hung up:
CHANGES TO THE SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY
Dear Dawn
You should have recently received a letter from the New Zealand Immigration Service advising that your Expression of Interest (EOI) has been selected from the Pool for consideration.
You may be aware that the New Zealand Government recently announced changes to the selection process under the Skilled Migrant Category. We are writing to inform you that these changes will not affect the preliminary checks of the information you provided in your EOI. Your EOI will continue to be checked on the basis of your selection from the Pool.
If you are invited to apply for residence and you subsequently submit an application for residence, your application, once received, will also be assessed on the basis on which you were selected from the Pool.
More information on the Expression of Interest process and living in New Zealand is available on our website at www.immigration.govt.nz. Alternatively please feel free to call the National Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 (within New Zealand) or contact your nearest branch of the Immigration Service.
All the best with your Expression of Interest.
Kind regards,
Pool Management Team
New Zealand Immigration Service
We are still in the running! It has now been two weeks...we hope our status will change to "Successful" in the next month. If so, it will mean that we have received an ITA.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
High School
In response to Heather's blog.
1) Where did you graduate from and what year?
Muskogee High School (Muskogee, OK) 1991
2) Did you have school pride?
Ehh...sure. I was in the BAND, so I had to wear school stuff and get excited during football games etc.
3) Was your Prom a night to remember?
Well, I went to four - 9th grade through 12th. The last three were all with the same guy! I guess the first one was the most memorable because it was our first date. The last prom I had decided to be cliche' and give up my virginity, but he fell asleep. *oh,well*
4) What was your favorite song you danced to the night of Prom?
I blocked out all the late 80's/early 90's music, sorry.
5) Do you own all 4 yearbooks?
Oh yes.
6) Do you remember the First CD you ever bought?
No! I wish I could.
7)What was your favorite Movie in High School?
Anything I could find on Skinamax late at night.
8.)What was your number one choice of College in HS?
Washington and Lee in Virginia. I ended up at Penn State - Erie, and I loved it. Well, except for the snow.
9) What radio station(s) did you jam out to in highschool?
K107. Which, interestingly enough, is owned by a friend I met several years later in Pittsburgh.
10) Were you involved in any organizations or clubs?
Yes. As I mentioned earlier, I was in BAND. I was even the leader - the Drum Major - my Senior year. I was also in the Kiwanis Club, whatever the hell that was, and maybe a couple language clubs.
11)What were your favorite classes in High School?
Math. Accounting. Typing. BAND. :)
12) Who was your big crush in Highschool?
Besides my math teacher? I crushed on my brother's friend Bob.
13) Would you say you've changed a lot since high school?
Absolutely. I was a huge control freak in high school, and borderline anorexic. I also didn't drink, have sex or use cuss words. I was deeply offended by cuss words!
14) What do you miss the most about it?
Nothing.
15) Your worst memory of HS?
Have to agree with Heather..too deep for this blog.
16) Did you have a car?
Haha, yes! The first one was a Chevy I think - the two door kind where the doors are so big, they run half the length of the car. I was so little then, it took me both legs to open the door. And when I stomped on the gas, the car would slowly rev to 45 miles an hour and stay there.
My next car was a Pontiac Bonneville. I loved that car. It died a very sad death in Erie. It just couldn't handle the winters. :(
17) What were your school colors?
Green and white.
18) Who were your favorite teachers?
Oh, how I loved my math teacher! He could do the square root of anything in his head. And he had these bright blue eyes, and a HUGE brain. *sigh* I also loved my accounting teacher.
19) Did you own a cell phone in highschool?
In the 80s? hahahaha
20) Did you leave campus for lunch?
Nope, we weren't allowed to.
21) If so, where was your favorite place to go eat?
I think I ate salads. I really don't remember eating much.
22) Were you always late to class?
No.
23) Did you ever have to stay for Saturday School?
Nope! Like Heather, I was a goody-goody and never did anything wrong.
24) Did you ever Ditch?
Only with parental approval (and a note).
25) When it comes time for the reunion will you be there?
I went to my 10 year. It sucked for the most part. The most awesome moment was when my formerly-geeky-turned-beautiful-swan friend told off a boy who tortured her in high school. Beautiful!
I think they are planning a 15 year reunion, but I doubt I will go.
1) Where did you graduate from and what year?
Muskogee High School (Muskogee, OK) 1991
2) Did you have school pride?
Ehh...sure. I was in the BAND, so I had to wear school stuff and get excited during football games etc.
3) Was your Prom a night to remember?
Well, I went to four - 9th grade through 12th. The last three were all with the same guy! I guess the first one was the most memorable because it was our first date. The last prom I had decided to be cliche' and give up my virginity, but he fell asleep. *oh,well*
4) What was your favorite song you danced to the night of Prom?
I blocked out all the late 80's/early 90's music, sorry.
5) Do you own all 4 yearbooks?
Oh yes.
6) Do you remember the First CD you ever bought?
No! I wish I could.
7)What was your favorite Movie in High School?
Anything I could find on Skinamax late at night.
8.)What was your number one choice of College in HS?
Washington and Lee in Virginia. I ended up at Penn State - Erie, and I loved it. Well, except for the snow.
9) What radio station(s) did you jam out to in highschool?
K107. Which, interestingly enough, is owned by a friend I met several years later in Pittsburgh.
10) Were you involved in any organizations or clubs?
Yes. As I mentioned earlier, I was in BAND. I was even the leader - the Drum Major - my Senior year. I was also in the Kiwanis Club, whatever the hell that was, and maybe a couple language clubs.
11)What were your favorite classes in High School?
Math. Accounting. Typing. BAND. :)
12) Who was your big crush in Highschool?
Besides my math teacher? I crushed on my brother's friend Bob.
13) Would you say you've changed a lot since high school?
Absolutely. I was a huge control freak in high school, and borderline anorexic. I also didn't drink, have sex or use cuss words. I was deeply offended by cuss words!
14) What do you miss the most about it?
Nothing.
15) Your worst memory of HS?
Have to agree with Heather..too deep for this blog.
16) Did you have a car?
Haha, yes! The first one was a Chevy I think - the two door kind where the doors are so big, they run half the length of the car. I was so little then, it took me both legs to open the door. And when I stomped on the gas, the car would slowly rev to 45 miles an hour and stay there.
My next car was a Pontiac Bonneville. I loved that car. It died a very sad death in Erie. It just couldn't handle the winters. :(
17) What were your school colors?
Green and white.
18) Who were your favorite teachers?
Oh, how I loved my math teacher! He could do the square root of anything in his head. And he had these bright blue eyes, and a HUGE brain. *sigh* I also loved my accounting teacher.
19) Did you own a cell phone in highschool?
In the 80s? hahahaha
20) Did you leave campus for lunch?
Nope, we weren't allowed to.
21) If so, where was your favorite place to go eat?
I think I ate salads. I really don't remember eating much.
22) Were you always late to class?
No.
23) Did you ever have to stay for Saturday School?
Nope! Like Heather, I was a goody-goody and never did anything wrong.
24) Did you ever Ditch?
Only with parental approval (and a note).
25) When it comes time for the reunion will you be there?
I went to my 10 year. It sucked for the most part. The most awesome moment was when my formerly-geeky-turned-beautiful-swan friend told off a boy who tortured her in high school. Beautiful!
I think they are planning a 15 year reunion, but I doubt I will go.
Selected
I logged into my account on the New Zealand Immigration web-site today, and was greeted by the following message:
Congratulations.
We are very pleased to confirm that your Expression of Interest has been selected from the Pool for further consideration.
We will conduct some preliminary checks of the information you have provided to determine whether your claim is accurate. Following this checking, you may be invited to apply for residence in New Zealand.
We wish you all the best with your Expression of Interest.
I understand this step could take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. In the meantime, we will work on our resumes in case we are invited to apply for residence.
Congratulations.
We are very pleased to confirm that your Expression of Interest has been selected from the Pool for further consideration.
We will conduct some preliminary checks of the information you have provided to determine whether your claim is accurate. Following this checking, you may be invited to apply for residence in New Zealand.
We wish you all the best with your Expression of Interest.
I understand this step could take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. In the meantime, we will work on our resumes in case we are invited to apply for residence.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
The Nutsacker Suite
Yes, that's right - Darren and I attempted to see The Nutcracker Suite over the weekend. We were lured by the words "Russian ballet" in the title, and his College offered really good seats at a fair price. However, we were not prepared for what we were about to see up close and very personal...
First of all, the production was just a bit nicer than what a grade-school would put on. Maybe High School quality. All the sets were painted curtains, and the many of the costumes look like they have been around since the '80s. And then the Nutsacker made an appearance. I thought "hey, good for you!" but also "there are children present!!" I was under the impression that male ballet performers did something with their general groin areas to make them more even..or smooth-like. This man had the biggest nutsack I had ever seen! Maybe because he was wearing very tight white leggings? I could also see his religion quite clearly. I couldn't look away! Every time he was on stage, he was simply the dancing twig and berries.
Once we got past the dancing nutsack, we could focus on the story. Except that they changed the story, and I had no idea what the hell was going on. Not to mention that none of the dancers were actually dancing with the piped-in music - or each other, for that matter. The Rat King only had one head, and it was a poorly made Halloween mask consisting of brown cloth and red blinking eyes. The Prince (different, less visable nutsack) "fought" the Rat King from across the stage! Of course he didn't win, but Clara didn't throw her shoe and save the Prince. Which meant that the Rat King followed them in all the scenes after that. And not only was she running around with the Prince, but with her 20-something "Uncle" as well. Their relationship bordered on child molestation more than once.
At some point, the Prince finally killed the Rat King, and he and Clara continued their journey. But what happened next, I had just never seen before and hope to never see again. In fact, I need to rent the original staging so I can forget what I've seen. Instead of the Winter Wonderland Fairy-people rewarding Clara with dances and goods from around the world, Clara and the Prince visited the different (and highly offensive) parts of the world. This prodcution decided to add in 'animals' for each country - which were dancers in huge cartoon-like costumes resembling: camels, elephants, and a bear that wouldn't leave the stage. There were no sugar plum fairies during "The Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairies". Afterwards, Clara and the Prince danced 2 or 3 songs by themselves, and then went to the front of the stage and bowed! I actually wondered at one time if the ballet had finished, and they had moved on to something else?
Then came the flower people. Oy vey! The men wore sailor-cut shirts with giant fake pink roses adorning the v-neck and other parts of the shirts. The women were also decked out in fake pink roses from head to toe. These people danced forever . Every time we thought they were done, they came back (kinda like that turd that just won't flush). I think I went into shock at some point, because I barely remember the ending. Did Clara make it back home and wake up? I don't know. I can't remember. It was seriously the most jacked up version of the Nutcraker I'd ever seen.
First of all, the production was just a bit nicer than what a grade-school would put on. Maybe High School quality. All the sets were painted curtains, and the many of the costumes look like they have been around since the '80s. And then the Nutsacker made an appearance. I thought "hey, good for you!" but also "there are children present!!" I was under the impression that male ballet performers did something with their general groin areas to make them more even..or smooth-like. This man had the biggest nutsack I had ever seen! Maybe because he was wearing very tight white leggings? I could also see his religion quite clearly. I couldn't look away! Every time he was on stage, he was simply the dancing twig and berries.
Once we got past the dancing nutsack, we could focus on the story. Except that they changed the story, and I had no idea what the hell was going on. Not to mention that none of the dancers were actually dancing with the piped-in music - or each other, for that matter. The Rat King only had one head, and it was a poorly made Halloween mask consisting of brown cloth and red blinking eyes. The Prince (different, less visable nutsack) "fought" the Rat King from across the stage! Of course he didn't win, but Clara didn't throw her shoe and save the Prince. Which meant that the Rat King followed them in all the scenes after that. And not only was she running around with the Prince, but with her 20-something "Uncle" as well. Their relationship bordered on child molestation more than once.
At some point, the Prince finally killed the Rat King, and he and Clara continued their journey. But what happened next, I had just never seen before and hope to never see again. In fact, I need to rent the original staging so I can forget what I've seen. Instead of the Winter Wonderland Fairy-people rewarding Clara with dances and goods from around the world, Clara and the Prince visited the different (and highly offensive) parts of the world. This prodcution decided to add in 'animals' for each country - which were dancers in huge cartoon-like costumes resembling: camels, elephants, and a bear that wouldn't leave the stage. There were no sugar plum fairies during "The Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairies". Afterwards, Clara and the Prince danced 2 or 3 songs by themselves, and then went to the front of the stage and bowed! I actually wondered at one time if the ballet had finished, and they had moved on to something else?
Then came the flower people. Oy vey! The men wore sailor-cut shirts with giant fake pink roses adorning the v-neck and other parts of the shirts. The women were also decked out in fake pink roses from head to toe. These people danced forever . Every time we thought they were done, they came back (kinda like that turd that just won't flush). I think I went into shock at some point, because I barely remember the ending. Did Clara make it back home and wake up? I don't know. I can't remember. It was seriously the most jacked up version of the Nutcraker I'd ever seen.
Friday, December 16, 2005
We did it
We have taken the first step to residency in New Zealand - we submitted our "Expression of Interest" last night. While it's a big step in some ways, it could all fizzle quickly. Our EOI was put into the "Pool", as we had more than 100 points (which is the minimum to be able to submit anyway). The NZ Immigration Authority selects from this pool every two weeks. The next selection date is Wednesday, December 21st. If we are not selected then, our EOI will stay in the Pool for 3 months. If it is never selected, we can resubmit at that time.
If we are selected from the Pool, the NZIS will look over our application and verify some of the claims we have made (work experience etc). Hopefully, within two to four weeks, NZIS will ask us to apply for residency. However, they may decide not to extend an invitation based on their initial take of our application.
So, it's all up in the air, really. And so we wait...
If we are selected from the Pool, the NZIS will look over our application and verify some of the claims we have made (work experience etc). Hopefully, within two to four weeks, NZIS will ask us to apply for residency. However, they may decide not to extend an invitation based on their initial take of our application.
So, it's all up in the air, really. And so we wait...
Friday, December 09, 2005
Song Lines That Make Me Giggle
I was listening to a mixed CD the other day that I haven't listened to in quite some time. I had forgotten about a couple songs that make me giggle every time I listen to them:
1) BareNaked Ladies, "If I Had a Million Dollars" - "...but not a real green dress (that's cruel)"
2) "Afternoon Delight" as sung in the movie Anchorman - at the beginning, Will Ferrell states "If you don't think this song is the greatest song ever, I will fight you."
Darren and I now add "I will fight you" to the most random, ridiculous statements. Try it, it's fun!
Do you have a song line that makes you giggle?
d
1) BareNaked Ladies, "If I Had a Million Dollars" - "...but not a real green dress (that's cruel)"
2) "Afternoon Delight" as sung in the movie Anchorman - at the beginning, Will Ferrell states "If you don't think this song is the greatest song ever, I will fight you."
Darren and I now add "I will fight you" to the most random, ridiculous statements. Try it, it's fun!
Do you have a song line that makes you giggle?
d
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain is a great new movie is coming to theaters next Friday, December 9th. While I'm typically not a fan of romantic movies, and almost never go to a theater to see one, Darren and I are making a point to see this one in the theater on opening weekend. Why?
1) The short story this movie is based on won a Pulitzer Prize
2) It has won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival
3) Movies are valued on their opening-weekend box office proceeds
4) This is a touching story of love - between two men
I have excerpted part of a Newsweek article about this movie. The full article can be found here. I encourage you all to read about it and help support Brokeback Mountain next weekend. Narnia also comes to theaters next weekend, so it will be a tough battle! Narnia is sure to be around for at least 3 weeks - why not see it when the theater is less crowded? :)
"Based on the short story by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Proulx ("The Shipping News"), "Brokeback" is the tale of Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), two ranch hands who, in the summer of 1963, are hired to herd sheep on Wyoming's Brokeback Mountain. There, separated from the rest of the world, their laconic friendship develops, almost by accident, into a sexual relationship. As the summer ends, the two men are forced to separate, and they discover that their feelings for each other are stronger than they imagined. Jack dreams of buying a ranch together. Ennis thinks they'll be killed if anyone suspects their relationship. And so they marry women and have children, and for 20 years live apart, seeing each other only on rare camping trips, trying to hold on to the innocence and beauty of that first summer on the mountain. Inevitably, the longing and frustration, the years of repression, lead to a devastating conclusion.
Its raw masculinity, spare dialogue and lonely imagery subverted the myth of the American cowboy and obliterated gay stereotypes. It has already earned the top prize at the Venice Film Festival and is almost certain to be an Oscar contender. More than that, though, "Brokeback" feels like a landmark film. No American film before has portrayed love between two men as something this pure and sacred. As such, it has the potential to change the national conversation and to challenge people's ideas about the value and validity of same-sex relationships.
The day Jake Gyllenhaal was cast in "Brokeback," the chatter around the industry was not about what a wise choice he'd made. "It's the most stupid move he could make," said one top producer over lunch that afternoon. "It'll alienate his teen-girl fan base and could kill his career. What a waste." Gyllenhaal and Ledger don't dodge it. The kissing and the sex scenes are fierce and full-blooded.
After seeing the movie, Gyllenhaal says, male reporters will enter a room to interview him and almost always follow the same routine. "They come in and they're all, like, 'I just want you to know I'm straight'," he says, and laughs. If they've been moved by the film, he says, they often rationalize it by saying things like "Well, it's really more of a friendship." No, it isn't. "It's a love story," Gyllenhaal says. "They're two men having sex. There's nothing hidden there." Ledger has a theory about why the movie makes some men uncomfortable. "I suspect it's a fear that they are going to enjoy it," he says. "They don't understand that you are not going to become sexually attracted to men by recognizing the beauty of a love story between two men."
1) The short story this movie is based on won a Pulitzer Prize
2) It has won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival
3) Movies are valued on their opening-weekend box office proceeds
4) This is a touching story of love - between two men
I have excerpted part of a Newsweek article about this movie. The full article can be found here. I encourage you all to read about it and help support Brokeback Mountain next weekend. Narnia also comes to theaters next weekend, so it will be a tough battle! Narnia is sure to be around for at least 3 weeks - why not see it when the theater is less crowded? :)
"Based on the short story by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Proulx ("The Shipping News"), "Brokeback" is the tale of Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), two ranch hands who, in the summer of 1963, are hired to herd sheep on Wyoming's Brokeback Mountain. There, separated from the rest of the world, their laconic friendship develops, almost by accident, into a sexual relationship. As the summer ends, the two men are forced to separate, and they discover that their feelings for each other are stronger than they imagined. Jack dreams of buying a ranch together. Ennis thinks they'll be killed if anyone suspects their relationship. And so they marry women and have children, and for 20 years live apart, seeing each other only on rare camping trips, trying to hold on to the innocence and beauty of that first summer on the mountain. Inevitably, the longing and frustration, the years of repression, lead to a devastating conclusion.
Its raw masculinity, spare dialogue and lonely imagery subverted the myth of the American cowboy and obliterated gay stereotypes. It has already earned the top prize at the Venice Film Festival and is almost certain to be an Oscar contender. More than that, though, "Brokeback" feels like a landmark film. No American film before has portrayed love between two men as something this pure and sacred. As such, it has the potential to change the national conversation and to challenge people's ideas about the value and validity of same-sex relationships.
The day Jake Gyllenhaal was cast in "Brokeback," the chatter around the industry was not about what a wise choice he'd made. "It's the most stupid move he could make," said one top producer over lunch that afternoon. "It'll alienate his teen-girl fan base and could kill his career. What a waste." Gyllenhaal and Ledger don't dodge it. The kissing and the sex scenes are fierce and full-blooded.
After seeing the movie, Gyllenhaal says, male reporters will enter a room to interview him and almost always follow the same routine. "They come in and they're all, like, 'I just want you to know I'm straight'," he says, and laughs. If they've been moved by the film, he says, they often rationalize it by saying things like "Well, it's really more of a friendship." No, it isn't. "It's a love story," Gyllenhaal says. "They're two men having sex. There's nothing hidden there." Ledger has a theory about why the movie makes some men uncomfortable. "I suspect it's a fear that they are going to enjoy it," he says. "They don't understand that you are not going to become sexually attracted to men by recognizing the beauty of a love story between two men."
Random Thoughts
Over the past week, I've had a lot of random thoughts, but none that would be able to carry their own post. Or maybe they would, but would be irritating. Instead I have compiled them and hopefully together they make for a less-irritating full post:
1) 'Bird people' are weird. I don't understand the fascination, really. Yes, birds are interesting, but I am not going to get out of bed early to sit in a forest to watch them and try to interpret what they are saying. I also don't care what they eat. And? Birds in the house are annoyingly loud. It's also cruel - let them go.
2) Speaking of weird people: 'Anime people'. I was listening to the radio on my commute this morning, and a DJ was describing a really wacked out Japanese show (which really doesn't narrow it down, does it? ) that his daughter had recorded on TiVO (I refuse to use TiVO as a verb!). I was just getting over the description - a man who is a psuedo superhero whose power is that his NOSEHAIR can fight people (and the different nosehairs have personalities or something) - when a 40-something year-old man called in and stated quite forcefully that the show described is not REAL Anime, and that the real Anime is well done and amazing and...I turned the station. Dude, get a grip!
3) Dream Catchers. Ok, I get the basic premise. Native Americans believed bad dreams would be caught up in these thingys. Fine. So why do I see dream catchers hanging from the rear view mirrors of white hippies' cars? Do they live in their cars? Fall asleep at the wheel frequently? I most recently saw one hanging from the mirror in a pizza delivery car. Ehhhh....
4) Thanksgiving. I am for the most part against this particular holiday. I grew up with the white-washed version of kind British settlers who came to this country unprepared for winter etc. and were helped out by the Native Americans. Awww...*blech* They always leave out how we turned around and wiped out most of said Native Americans with either chicken pox, or firearms. Ok, maybe not all on the same day, but you know the history. For me, they are linked. In any case, I am still grateful for many things and people. I did have a nice dinner with the family members I actually like to spend time with as well as Darren (who I'm always grateful for, esp when he chases the cat with a water gun so I can sleep).
5) This weather is killing me. I finally got used to the colder weather and resigned myself to only having warmth in the sauna at the gym. Then a front came in, and it was 60 degrees again! What a cruel tease. Pick one season or the other! Why does Mother Nature hate me so?
6) I *heart* New Zealand. This is not news, but it was a (frequent) random thought all the same.
d
1) 'Bird people' are weird. I don't understand the fascination, really. Yes, birds are interesting, but I am not going to get out of bed early to sit in a forest to watch them and try to interpret what they are saying. I also don't care what they eat. And? Birds in the house are annoyingly loud. It's also cruel - let them go.
2) Speaking of weird people: 'Anime people'. I was listening to the radio on my commute this morning, and a DJ was describing a really wacked out Japanese show (which really doesn't narrow it down, does it? ) that his daughter had recorded on TiVO (I refuse to use TiVO as a verb!). I was just getting over the description - a man who is a psuedo superhero whose power is that his NOSEHAIR can fight people (and the different nosehairs have personalities or something) - when a 40-something year-old man called in and stated quite forcefully that the show described is not REAL Anime, and that the real Anime is well done and amazing and...I turned the station. Dude, get a grip!
3) Dream Catchers. Ok, I get the basic premise. Native Americans believed bad dreams would be caught up in these thingys. Fine. So why do I see dream catchers hanging from the rear view mirrors of white hippies' cars? Do they live in their cars? Fall asleep at the wheel frequently? I most recently saw one hanging from the mirror in a pizza delivery car. Ehhhh....
4) Thanksgiving. I am for the most part against this particular holiday. I grew up with the white-washed version of kind British settlers who came to this country unprepared for winter etc. and were helped out by the Native Americans. Awww...*blech* They always leave out how we turned around and wiped out most of said Native Americans with either chicken pox, or firearms. Ok, maybe not all on the same day, but you know the history. For me, they are linked. In any case, I am still grateful for many things and people. I did have a nice dinner with the family members I actually like to spend time with as well as Darren (who I'm always grateful for, esp when he chases the cat with a water gun so I can sleep).
5) This weather is killing me. I finally got used to the colder weather and resigned myself to only having warmth in the sauna at the gym. Then a front came in, and it was 60 degrees again! What a cruel tease. Pick one season or the other! Why does Mother Nature hate me so?
6) I *heart* New Zealand. This is not news, but it was a (frequent) random thought all the same.
d
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
The Martian Chronicles
I recently took a look at the books in my two bookcases and realized I have been moving books I have never read from place to place over the years. A couple weeks ago I picked up The Martian Chronicles - still brand new - and started reading. First, I love Ray Bradbury, and am quite fond of other books of his. However, when I started reading this book, I had a hard time forgetting what I knew about Mars from the recent NASA explorations. I almost gave up on the book. I'm really glad I didn't.
What a beautiful and poingnant piece of work, even after 60 years. So difficult to believe (and amazing to see) that Ray Bradbury was concerned about the same issues back then that I am concerned about now - humans wrecking the Earth then moving on to other planets only to wreck them too; American's disregard and disdain for anything different and unfamiliar. Ray packs a lot of story and meaning into a little book. Once I was able to suspend disbelief and accept his version of Mars, I could focus on his message. I guess I had no idea anyone was worried about the Earth to this extent back in the 40s. I understand concern about atomic war, but to hear the characters complain about humans chopping down trees and overpopulating and mining the hell out of the land was interesting.
When I read the ending, I interepreted in a way I don't think many other people do. It ended with a family from Earth arriving on Mars in a private rocket. Everyone on Mars had gone back to Earth to fight in the last great war. The father of the family promised his sons that he would show them "real live Martians", and in the end he did - he took them to the canal and had them peer into the water. He told them the Martians were there in the reflections. Based on the earlier parts of the book that had several examples of Martians outsmarting humans, my initial thought was that Martian had gone down to Earth when humans started populating Mars, created a family and bade his time until it was safe to come back and take his planet back.
While that may be the case, it could also be that the man meant that as his family moved to Mars, they are now Martians and should let go of the ideals of Earth. This would be a better message and more idealistic, but I like my initial thought as it is more clever (and I wanted the Martians to 'win'.)
Awesome book. I must read more!
What a beautiful and poingnant piece of work, even after 60 years. So difficult to believe (and amazing to see) that Ray Bradbury was concerned about the same issues back then that I am concerned about now - humans wrecking the Earth then moving on to other planets only to wreck them too; American's disregard and disdain for anything different and unfamiliar. Ray packs a lot of story and meaning into a little book. Once I was able to suspend disbelief and accept his version of Mars, I could focus on his message. I guess I had no idea anyone was worried about the Earth to this extent back in the 40s. I understand concern about atomic war, but to hear the characters complain about humans chopping down trees and overpopulating and mining the hell out of the land was interesting.
When I read the ending, I interepreted in a way I don't think many other people do. It ended with a family from Earth arriving on Mars in a private rocket. Everyone on Mars had gone back to Earth to fight in the last great war. The father of the family promised his sons that he would show them "real live Martians", and in the end he did - he took them to the canal and had them peer into the water. He told them the Martians were there in the reflections. Based on the earlier parts of the book that had several examples of Martians outsmarting humans, my initial thought was that Martian had gone down to Earth when humans started populating Mars, created a family and bade his time until it was safe to come back and take his planet back.
While that may be the case, it could also be that the man meant that as his family moved to Mars, they are now Martians and should let go of the ideals of Earth. This would be a better message and more idealistic, but I like my initial thought as it is more clever (and I wanted the Martians to 'win'.)
Awesome book. I must read more!
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